Apple's ecosystem is famously closed, and for developers or IT teams, that can present unique challenges. One of the most frequent pain points?

"How do I install or distribute an iOS app without Apple Business Manager?"

Whether you're:

• A startup building an internal MVP
• An enterprise deploying apps to remote staff
• A development agency testing client builds. You may want to distribute iOS apps without going through Apple Business Manager (ABM).

This post covers all the practical, legitimate ways to do so, including one of the most user-friendly options.

What is the need to distribute apps without Apple Business Manager(ABM)?

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is part of Apple’s enterprise ecosystem that streamlines device and app deployment, but it’s not always the right tool.

Challenges With Apple Business Manager

Common Use Cases for ABM-Free Deployment

1. Testing builds internally or with beta testers
2. Distributing apps in countries where ABM is unavailable
3. MVP rollouts for client demos
4. Internal tools for limited users
5. Contractor or remote device setups

6 Legitimate Ways to Distribute iOS Apps Without ABM

1. MDM Distribution With Scalefusion (No ABM Required)

This is one of the best modern ways to distribute iOS apps — without ABM — especially for small teams, startups, and test groups.

2. Ad Hoc Distribution

Ideal for development teams distributing apps to known devices.

How It Works:

1. Register the device UDIDs in Apple Developer Console
2. Create provisioning profile + sign .ipa
3. Share via MDM, Diawi, or manual install

Pros:

• No App Store review
• Fast for limited test groups

Cons:

• 100-device limit/year
• Need physical access or UDID from each device

3. TestFlight

Apple’s official tool for beta testing apps.

How It Works:

1. Upload to App Store Connect
2. Invite testers via email or a public link
3. Limited to 90-day installs

Pros:

• Up to 10,000 testers
• Works without ABM

Cons:

• Requires app review for public beta
• Short expiration window

3. Unlisted App Distribution

Released by Apple in 2022, this is a middle ground between private and public.

How It Works:

1. Upload app to App Store Connect
2. Request "Unlisted" distribution via Apple
3. Receive a private share link

Pros:
No search/discoverability
Hosted by Apple
ABM not required

Cons:

• Requires review/approval
• Only ideal for apps that don’t require secrecy

4. Enterprise Distribution (Without ABM)

Apple Developer Enterprise Program (ADEP) lets you distribute apps in-house.

How It Works:

1. Sign app with Enterprise certificate
2. Install via internal link, MDM, or custom portal

Pros:

• Unlimited devices
• Fully silent installs (with MDM)

Cons:

• Annual fee ($299)
• Intended for internal use only
• Apple is now encouraging ABM + MDM combo

5. Apple Configurator 2 + Supervision

Supervision is a way to manage devices using a Mac (no ABM needed).

How It Works:

1. Connect iPhone/iPad to Mac
2. Use Apple Configurator to apply configuration profile
3. Push .ipa manually or via MDM

Pros:

• Works offline
• Allows silent installs on supervised devices

Cons:

• Requires macOS device
• One device at a time

Using Scalefusion to Distribute iOS Apps Without Apple Business Manager

Scalefusion is an iOS device management solution platform that supports non-ABM iOS app deployment while offering full control over device groups, app pushing, updates, and supervision — all with or without Apple Business Manager.

Key Benefits

Step-by-Step: Deploy iOS App via Scalefusion (No ABM)

Step 1: Create a Developer Enterprise Certificate

You’ll need a signed .ipa for enterprise or internal use.

Step 2: Enroll Devices Without ABM

You have two options:

• Manual Enrollment: Send users a link/QR code
• Apple Configurator Supervision: Plug devices into Mac, apply Supervision

Step 3: Upload Your App

1. Go to Scalefusion Dashboard → Enterprise → My Apps
2. Upload .ipa, choose deployment type (auto/silent/manual)

Step 4: Assign to Groups

• Target by role, location, or device tag
• Schedule deployment windows if needed

Step 5: Monitor Status

• Check the real-time dashboard
• Logs, retry options, and uninstall button

Compliance & Security Notes

• No jailbreaking required
• Devices must be enrolled (trusted)
• App remains signed and sandboxed per Apple’s iOS policies

Tools That Support ABM-Free iOS App Distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I install iOS apps without the App Store?

Yes. Using Ad Hoc, Enterprise, TestFlight, or MDM tools like Scalefusion, you can install .ipa files without listing them publicly.

Q2. Does Scalefusion require ABM?

No — while Scalefusion supports ABM, it works with manually supervised or enrolled devices without ABM.

Q3. Is jailbreaking required to sideload apps?

Not if you use compliant tools like Apple Configurator, MDM platforms, or TestFlight. Jailbreaking is not recommended and violates Apple’s terms.

Q4. What’s the safest way to distribute an internal app?

Using an MDM like Scalefusion ensures you stay compliant with Apple’s policies while getting silent install, remote management, and analytics.

Q5. How to publish apps without Apple Business Manager(ABM)?

To publish apps without Apple Business Manager, the best way is to use iOS MDM solutions such as Scalefusion, log in to the dashboard, and publish the app directly to the device or set of devices remotely simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

Apple Business Manager is great for large-scale device fleets, but for small teams, MVPs, and internal testing, it’s not always practical.

With options like Scalefusion, you can securely distribute apps without the red tape of ABM — legitimately and efficiently.

Whether you're shipping to 5 iPhones or 500, this guide equips you with real-world methods to distribute apps without the App Store or ABM.

Recommended: Try Scalefusion Today

Visit Scalefusion — or start a free trial to push your .ipa to any device without ABM